From Savai’i in search of better prospects in Upolu

By Aruna Lolani 18 July 2017, 12:00AM

We live in a time where when a job opportunity calls; we go for it no matter what. 

Even if it means leaving home as well. 

Lasela Feleti of Safotu Savai’i and Aleipata knows what this feels like.

The 25-year-old and her husband left their home in Savai’i and came all the way to Upolu when the Member of Parliament at Falelauniu offered them a job.

“We have been working for him about a year now,” she tells Village Voice.

“We look after his land and his herd of sheep.”

Lasela and her husband only have one child and despite the fact that it was hard for them to be apart; they had to because they needed this job to earn a living.

“It was important for us to have a job to do; we had to come here and work because making money doesn’t come easy to us anymore.

“Opportunities like these always come with challenges and risks; you know just like there’s always a price to pay for everything. 

“So working far away from home and families was not an easy choice to make but it’s good to support our families and children.”

Lasela is the ninth child of ten siblings and she said having a big family has made her learn to stand on her own two feet.

“Money matters to me and it matters to everyone; and that’s why I work.

“I’m not going to lie and say that I work for other different reasons, no.

“We all know that we work because we need money. I need money.

“I need it for my family especially for my child and without this job here; I don’t think we would be working anywhere else.

“I think we would probably be still looking for jobs back then because the reality today is that there are not enough jobs in Samoa.

“So we cannot afford to be picky when it comes to job opportunities and that’s why we’re here today.”

By Aruna Lolani 18 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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